I will be staying in Schaumburg for a training class (Probably at the Marriott) and will be free to roam every day at about 3:00 pm and hoped to get into downtown for dinner/clubs/etc. I have been to Chicago a number of times and am familair with the downtown area. My question is how easy will it be and what are the best options to get downton in the afternoons and back later in the evenings (9:00 - 11:00 PM)?

I'll have a car but would probably prefer not to take it downtown as to avoid parking issues.

I found this comment from a few years ago... "Schaumburg has its own Metra station on Springsguth Road, near Irving Park road. You can catch a train there which takes you to Union station in Downtown Chicago(about 2 blocks from the Sears tower.) You can walk numerous places from there, or take a bus or EL. The train usually takes about 1 hr"

Thanks for all your help.

Check Metrarail.com for the train schedules. Union station is on the west end of the Loop so you'll have to cab or El it everywhere but driving to/from Schaumburg is a nightmare so the train is definately the way to go.

Definitely look into the Metra trains. One note, though: once you get beyond evening rush hour (around 7pm or so), most of the outbound trains only run once an hour. If you miss one, you might be stuck at the station for the next hour (spoken by a former commuter who has spent some evenings waiting around at Union Station).

A better option would be to drive to the Cumblerland BLue Line Station and take the CTA train downtown. Parking is only $1.75 for 12 hours and you will have much more frequent, cheaper service if you take this option.

The Schaumburg Metra station is about 15 minutes from the Woodfield area, where I assume the Marriott is located. This is about the same time it would take to drive to the Cumblerland Blue line stop.

Thanks everyone. Just what I was looking for!

Second the Cumberland option. It's really easyecond exit on your right after the huge Cumberland tollbooth. Save time by having $.40 ready for the tollbooth.